The last 15 minutes: Pre-presentation prep

Whether you're jittery from pre-presentation nerves or just not feeling it, the 15 minutes before a big presentation is the best time to ensure your success as a public speaker. We lay it down for you with these five pre-presentation rituals:

1. Check the audio-visuals

Make sure all the electronics you'll need are in working order. This means the mic, the lighting, the projector, the computer, the laser pointer, and the speakers. Take another look at whether your fonts are embedded.

2. Shake some hands

Get comfortable with your audience. It's good to mingle with them as much as you can before the real thing. They'll be more involved, you'll seem more approachable, and it'll help take the nerves off.

3. Take your mind and body to a good place

Take a trip to the little boy's room even if you don't need to. Have a sip of warm water or tea to avoid getting a dry mouth and clear your throat. Do a couple of stretches or walk down the hall to rid your body of excess energy and send oxygen to the brain. Breathe deeply and slowly to mitigate the tightening of chest and throat muscles and pumping of adrenaline that accompany anxiety.

Throw in a smile here and there to your audience. It'll get those endorphins rushing and show your audience you're happy to be here. On that note, it's also good to replace thoughts like "I'm not prepared enough for this" or "This is going to go down so badly" with positive ones like "I'm going to do great" and "I'm an expert on this topic." Mental rituals do wonders for your body's physical responses.

4. Run the first minute over in your head

While the actual speech you can improvise, the opener you cannot. Rehearse that witty icebreaker or profound quotation or eye-opening statistic you have planned and a couple of sentences leading from it. Knowing precisely how you're going to start will not only boost your confidence, it will create a stronger first impression when you can look directly into the eyes of the audience instead of fumbling over your notes or a slide.

5. Get out of your seat five minutes beforehand

Even if you're a later speaker, assume a standing position a good while prior to taking the stage. Stand on the side or the back of room or backstage. It'll transfer you from a posture of inactivity to one of action—all warmed up and ready to go!